PAPER PULPIT: Using anaphora to understand Scripture

By Harry ButlerTimes Correspondent

Published: Friday, February 22, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 22, 2013 at 5:02 p.m.

It was William Safire, the New York Times columnist who won the 1978 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary — a former White House speech writer, reporter and historian — who introduced me, in his writings, to Norma Loquendi, or common speech.

Translated from the Latin, Norma Loquendi means “the everyday voice of the native speaker.” I join Safire in a love of the language we speak. I love words and their meanings.

As a broadcaster, play-by-play sports announcer, author and columnist, the words I use to describe a feeling, a place or an event must have a certain meaning. They must be understood by those listening or reading. Bible translations are an excellent method of making God’s words be understood by those who read them.

I received a jolt when reading Cindy Rogers’ 2004 book, “Word Magic,” as she described the many ways of using the English language to make the Bible “come alive.” In addition to such terms as alliteration, allusion, amplification and analogy, she introduced me to the term “anaphora,” which means the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of successful phrases, clauses or sentences.

Rogers says because of the repetition, anaphora is a classic rhetorical device, many examples of which can be found in classical literature, including the Bible.

She points to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 as a famous example of anaphora. She contends they are among the most powerful words spoken by Jesus, because anaphora assures that readers understand the concept and the blessings.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (KJV).

Rogers cited another example of anaphora in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which makes use of full clauses. The Old Testament verses of the Ten Commandments also use the device.

“Word Magic” is a book that could be used in a college senior’s English class. I find it remarkable that the men who wrote the Holy Scriptures so long ago were so educated in their writing. Thanks be to God!

<p>It was William Safire, the New York Times columnist who won the 1978 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary — a former White House speech writer, reporter and historian — who introduced me, in his writings, to Norma Loquendi, or common speech. </p><p>Translated from the Latin, Norma Loquendi means “the everyday voice of the native speaker.” I join Safire in a love of the language we speak. I love words and their meanings. </p><p>As a broadcaster, play-by-play sports announcer, author and columnist, the words I use to describe a feeling, a place or an event must have a certain meaning. They must be understood by those listening or reading. Bible translations are an excellent method of making God's words be understood by those who read them.</p><p>I received a jolt when reading Cindy Rogers' 2004 book, “Word Magic,” as she described the many ways of using the English language to make the Bible “come alive.” In addition to such terms as alliteration, allusion, amplification and analogy, she introduced me to the term “anaphora,” which means the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of successful phrases, clauses or sentences.</p><p>Rogers says because of the repetition, anaphora is a classic rhetorical device, many examples of which can be found in classical literature, including the Bible.</p><p>She points to the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10 as a famous example of anaphora. She contends they are among the most powerful words spoken by Jesus, because anaphora assures that readers understand the concept and the blessings.</p><p>“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (KJV). </p><p>Rogers cited another example of anaphora in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which makes use of full clauses. The Old Testament verses of the Ten Commandments also use the device. </p><p>“Word Magic” is a book that could be used in a college senior's English class. I find it remarkable that the men who wrote the Holy Scriptures so long ago were so educated in their writing. Thanks be to God!</p>